As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord grau Couch
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahrer Desi...
Velvet
Pair of maui sofas by Vico Magistretti for Kartell
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of maui sofas by vico magistretti for kartell circa 1980. Designed by well known italian architect and furniture designer vico magistretti (1920 - 2006) Moulded plastic seats ...
Steel
Vico Magistretti Cardigan Sofa for Cassina
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully tailored 'Cardigan' sofa in grey leather designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina.
Leather
Italian modern brown fabric sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown fabric sofa Maralunga by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1970s Two-seater sofa model Maralunga padded and covered in brown striped fabric. It has an independent fol...
Fabric, Plastic
Italian mid-century modern sofa Loden by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern sofa Loden by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1960s Loden two-seater sofa with seat and back cushions, padded and upholstered in brown fabric. The armrests a...
Fabric, Wood
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord braun-grau
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes braun-graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahre...
Velvet
Leather "Palmaria" Lounge Chiar by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1980
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Leather "Palmaria" lounge chair by Vico Magistretti for cassina, Italy, 1970s The "Palmaria" Lounge Chair designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy in 1980, is a true masterpiece of leather craftsmanship. With its elegant and timeless design, this lounge chair has become an icon of Italian design. Note: Pictures 1 to 4 feature an AI generated background, while all other photos remain unaltered. Crafted from high-quality leather, the "Palmaria" Lounge Chair is both stylish and comfortable. The leather has been expertly treated to enhance its natural beauty and texture, and the chair's shape has been carefully designed to provide maximum comfort and support. Whether you're relaxing in your living room, reading a book in your home office, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, the "Palmaria" Lounge Chair is the perfect place to sit back and unwind. Its classic design and luxurious materials make it a true statement piece that will add a touch of elegance to any space. At Cassina, they pride themselves on their commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each "Palmaria" Lounge Chair is meticulously crafted by our skilled artisans, ensuring that every piece is of the highest possible quality. Invest in the timeless elegance of the "Palmaria" Lounge Chair today, and experience the ultimate in Italian luxury and craftsmanship. Rare lounge chair and less well known then the protovenere or maralungas and therefore a unique FOUND ICON...
Leather